Toronto will host the 31st edition of Hot Docs, North America’s largest documentary film festival, from Thursday, April 28, to May 5, 2022. Among the world premieres this year will be ‘Farming the Revolution,’ directed by Nishtha Jain and Akash Basumatari, which tracks the farmers’ protests against the Indian government’s agricultural laws. Another is ‘Shaheen Bagh: By the People, for the People,’ directed by Nausheen Khan, which captures the human experiences, strength, and resilience of the women who led the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh neighborhood.
The festival will also showcase ‘Marching in the Dark,’ directed by Kinshuk Suraj, which delves into the issue of farmer suicides through the story of a widow fighting to cope with her husband’s death. Sama Pana’s ‘Drawing a Line’ highlights cartoonist Rachita Taneja’s use of stick figures as a form of resistance against censorship.
High-profile Canadian director Barry Avrich’s ‘Born Hungry’ will also be featured, tracing the journey of celebrity chef Sash Simpson from his challenging childhood on the streets of Chennai to his rise to fame. These documentaries offer unique perspectives on significant events and issues in India, showcasing the power of protest, resilience, and creativity.
